WSOP record

The 41st annual World Series of Poker has set a new overall attendance record, with 63,706 entrants through the first 55 events of the international poker extravaganza. With only the main event remaining, this year’s WSOP also generated a prize pool in excess of $100 million for the sixth consecutive year.

The new attendance milestone eclipsed the previous record of 60,875 entries, which was established last year for 57 individual gold bracelet tournaments. In 2009 through 55 events, the WSOP attracted 52,880 entrants. Thus, this year’s mark is a year-over-year increase of 20 percent.

The WSOP has increased attendance every year since Harrah’s took ownership in 2004. This is the seventh consecutive year participation has increased.

Incredibly, the new attendance mark was set despite the weak performance of numerous global currencies and strong international attention on the FIFA World Cup.

"We’re thrilled that poker enthusiasts from every corner of the globe have reinforced the World Series of Poker’s standing as one of the most popular competitive events anywhere," said World Series of Poker Vice President Ty Stewart. "This year’s overall turnout continues to show the players’ passion for playing on poker’s biggest stage despite the continued sluggish economy."

Among the highlights of the 41st annual World Series of Poker through Event 55:

• Three of the Top 10 largest events in live poker history have been held at the 2010 WSOP; seven of the largest 15 tournaments also have been held this year